Things To Do
in Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago comprising 18 rocky, volcanic islands situated between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean, constituting a self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark. Known for their rugged terrain, subpolar oceanic climate, and a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional Faroese music, dance, and a distinct language, Faroese.
The islands are a haven for nature lovers, featuring dramatic landscapes, seabird colonies, traditional grass-roofed houses, and opportunities for hiking and bird-watching.
- "Takk fyri" - Thank you
- "Gott kvøld" - Good evening
- "Vælkomin" - Welcome
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $20 - $60
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $5 - $10
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the charming old town of Tórshavn, known as Tinganes. Stroll through the colorful wooden houses and enjoy a local breakfast in a cozy café.
Explore the National Museum of the Faroe Islands to learn about the islands' history and culture. Take a walk along the harbor, enjoying views of the boats and sea.
Dine at a traditional restaurant serving local seafood dishes. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Tórshavn as the sun sets over the city.
Travel to Kirkjubøur, the historical heart of the Faroes. Explore the ancient wooden house, the oldest still inhabited in the world, and learn about the local history.
Visit the iconic 12th-century St. Olav's Church and the ruins of the medieval cathedral. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Head back to Tórshavn and enjoy a relaxing dinner. Try traditional dishes that reflect the rich culture of the islands.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and cliffs.
- Rich cultural heritage and unique Viking history.
- Strong sense of community and low population density.
- Excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing.
- Fresh and high-quality local seafood and lamb.
- Low crime rate and high safety levels.
- Harsh and unpredictable weather with long winter months.
- Limited job opportunities and economic prospects due to remote location.
- Higher cost of living compared to mainland Europe.
- Limited accessibility and potential for isolation due to ferry schedules and flights.
- Basic public services and amenities in contrast to larger countries.
- Language barrier, as Faroese is the primary language.
Best Activities in Faroe Islands
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes of the Faroe Islands by hiking on well-marked trails that lead to breathtaking views, waterfalls, and cliffs.
The Faroe Islands are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins. Ideal spots for birdwatching include Mykines and the cliffs of Vestmanna.
Kayaking offers a unique way to see the islands from the water, giving you access to secluded beaches and impressive cliffs.
Experience the rich fishing culture by trying your hand at sea fishing or fly fishing in the beautiful rivers and lakes.
Join a whale-watching tour to spot various species including orcas and dolphins in the waters around the islands.
With its dramatic scenery, the Faroe Islands are a photographer's paradise. Capture the landscapes, wildlife, and charming villages.
Take a boat tour to see the islands from a different perspective, visiting remote areas and enjoying the rugged coastline.
Experience the beauty of the outdoors by camping at designated sites, surrounded by stunning nature and tranquil landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Faroe Islands with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Faroe Islands
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque village surrounded by mountains and a lagoon, offering stunning views of nature's beauty.
A breathtaking waterfall located in the village of Gasadalur, cascading into the ocean, perfect for dramatic landscape photography.
Situated on Kalsoy Island, this lighthouse offers dramatic cliffside views and is particularly stunning during sunset.
A magnificent canyon with steep walls and winding river, providing excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
A group of dramatic sea stacks and mountains visible from the shore of the island of Vagar, ideal for capturing unique seascape images.
Known for its optical illusion that makes it appear to be above the ocean, making it a must-visit for photographers.
A charming village with a picturesque harbor and scenic cliffs, great for capturing the essence of the Faroe Islands.
A lesser-known viewpoint that offers stunning vistas of the surrounding islands and dramatic coastal scenery.
Famous for its panoramic views, location on this island provides numerous vantage points for capturing sweeping landscapes.
The largest island with diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches, offering a variety of photography opportunities.
Food in Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ræst kjøt, or wind-dried fermented mutton, is a traditional Faroese delicacy. This preserved meat is an essential component of the local diet and can be tasted at various eateries and traditional homes across the islands.
Must-Try!
Blaðka, a traditional dish made from lamb stomach stuffed with a mixture of organs, fat, and oatmeal, offers a unique and authentic taste of Faroese cuisine.
Kalt brett, which translates to 'cold table,' is a staple at many Faroese gatherings. It typically features an array of preserved and smoked fish, dried lamb, and homemade bread, providing a true taste of the local culinary heritage.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the heart of Tórshavn, the capital city, the Tórshavn Market offers a wide range of local produce, including freshly caught seafood, organic vegetables, and homemade Faroese delicacies. Visitors can sample authentic street food and interact with local vendors.
The Gøta Fish Market, situated in the charming village of Gøta, provides an opportunity to savor the freshest catch of the day, from Atlantic salmon to Faroese langoustines, while immersing in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional fish market.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In the Faroe Islands, people tend to value their personal space. It is important to be mindful of this and avoid standing too close to someone unless you are well-acquainted.
A firm handshake is a common greeting in the Faroe Islands. It is considered polite to greet everyone in a group and maintain eye contact during conversation, which shows respect and attentiveness.
The people of the Faroe Islands have a deep respect for their natural surroundings and cultural heritage. When visiting, show appreciation for their landscapes and traditions, and be careful not to litter or disturb wildlife.
Safety
Tipping in Faroe Islands
Ensure a smooth experience
In the Faroe Islands, tipping is not a common practice. Service charges are typically included in the bill at restaurants and cafés. However, if customers feel they have received exceptional service, they may choose to leave a small gratuity, but this is entirely at their discretion.
Payment methods in the Faroe Islands are modern and versatile. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, making cash less necessary. The local currency is the Faroese króna (DKK). Payment can also be done via mobile apps and online banking services, which are widely used.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (April to June) is a beautiful time to visit the Faroe Islands as the landscape blooms with vibrant greenery and wildflowers. The weather begins to warm up, with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F). There are also longer daylight hours, making it ideal for hiking and exploring nature.
Summer (July to August) offers the warmest weather and the longest days, with up to 18 hours of daylight. Average temperatures can reach up to 15°C (59°F). This is the peak tourist season, where travelers can enjoy various activities such as bird watching, fishing, and diving. The scenery is lush, and the islands' famous puffins are nesting during this time.
Autumn (September to November) showcases stunning fall colors as the foliage changes. Temperatures begin to drop, ranging from 5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F). This season is great for experiencing the islands' natural beauty without the summer crowds. However, weather can be unpredictable, with more rain and wind.
Winter (December to March) is a unique time to visit the Faroe Islands, with a chance to see the Northern Lights. Average temperatures are around 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F). While many tourist activities may be limited due to harsh weather, winter offers a serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy cozy local culture, unique winter landscapes, and fewer tourists.
Faroe Islands at Night
Hiking in Faroe Islands
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest mountain in the Faroe Islands, Slættaratindur offers breathtaking views and a challenging hike. The trail leads to the summit at 880 meters.
This scenic hike takes you from the quaint village of Gásadalur to the stunning Múlagljúfur canyon, showcasing dramatic cliffs and waterfalls along the way.
A unique hike leading to Sørvágsvatn, known for its optical illusion of being above the ocean. The trail offers stunning views and is relatively easy.
This hike provides access to the impressive Bøsdalafossur waterfall, which cascades into the ocean. The trail is well marked and offers some spectacular views.
A moderate hike on Vágar Island that takes you through lush landscapes and offers views of the surrounding islands and ocean.
A hike on Kalsoy Island that leads to the iconic Kallur Lighthouse. The hike is relatively short, but the views of the northern cliffs are extraordinary.
Airports
How to reach Faroe Islands by plane.
The main international airport serving the Faroe Islands, located on Vágar Island.
Copenhagen Airport in Denmark, one of the largest airports in Scandinavia, providing numerous international connections.
Ålesund Airport Vigra is a regional airport in Norway, located approximately 250 km from the Faroe Islands.
The main international airport serving Bergen, Norway, located roughly 300 km from the Faroe Islands.
An airport in Iceland providing domestic and international flights, situated about 400 km from the Faroe Islands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous people of the Faroe Islands, speaking the Faroese language and culturally distinct from other Scandinavian nations.
Individuals from Denmark, considering the historical and political ties between Denmark and the Faroe Islands.
People from Norway, contributing to the demographic due to close cultural and historical connections to the islands.
Includes individuals from Sweden and Iceland, sharing certain cultural similarities with the Faroese.
A growing number of individuals from various countries, including those in Europe, Asia, and Africa, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in the Faroe Islands, with a strong local league and national team participating in international competitions.
Handball has a significant following in the Faroe Islands, with both men's and women's teams competing in various domestic and international tournaments.
Futsal is also popular, particularly among younger players, with many clubs focusing on developing skills for this indoor variant of football.
Athletics is practiced widely in the Faroe Islands, with events held throughout the year, especially track and field competitions.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in the islands, with beautiful landscapes making it an appealing sport for both locals and visitors.
Fishing, while not a sport in the traditional sense, is an important part of the culture and is enjoyed recreationally by many.
Swimming is commonly practiced in the summer months, with many natural pools and swimming facilities available.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Faroese cuisine is predominantly focused on meat and fish, many restaurants and cafes in urban areas offer vegetarian and vegan options, such as locally-sourced vegetable dishes and inventive plant-based creations.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find gluten-free alternatives at select eateries, especially in Tórshavn and other larger settlements. Some restaurants offer gluten-free variations of traditional dishes, ensuring that dietary restrictions are accommodated.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Faroe Islands.